What has happened to all of those sitcom writers of the 1990’s? Is there still a mass audience waiting to devour situational comedy? Obviously media models have changed, but in what respect—the emergence of mockumentaries and web-based episodes have allowed viewers to tailor their viewing experience, essentially creating individual niche markets for every viewer.

At one point in the 1990s, NBC had 16 half-hour sitcoms on the air. This fall, it has four. And two of those four—The Office and 30 Rock—though critically beloved (both are up for Best Comedy Emmys on Sunday, Sept. 21), are struggling to be embraced by mainstream audiences.